disclaimer: i don't own harvest moon (:
The Princess and the Cowboy
~Fireworks~
I checked over myself one last time in the mirror, absentmindedly shifting a lock of my hair behind my ear then back again. Relax! I told myself when I'd realised. You're worrying too much. Just follow Lanna's advice and everything will run smoothly!
The usually unhelpful voice was right. I wasn't going to get through the evening well if I didn't quit worrying. There were plenty of good things about it anyway, to counter act the nerves. For one, it was night, so sneaking out would be a breeze, as would getting back in. For another, I was prepared. I felt confident in the outfit, my brain would - hopefully - stay full of the more sensible talking options and Lanna's advice kept playing on a loop. I'd told Natalie casually earlier that day, so she should be over the shock by the time I reached the meadow.
With a smile to reassure myself, I made my way towards the outside, careful not to seem too suspicious. Luckily, the members of staff I did see were used to my strange non-princess-y behaviour, so I didn't get any 'where do you think you're going, young lady' type scenarios. There was a tense moment when I heard my father talking to somebody, but being the bad kid, I knew all the escape routes and hiding places, so that passed quickly.
Even so, it was a complete relief to be out of the castle and on the edge of the village. I hurried away from the perimeters, finally feeling safe when I was on the familiar stone path. Nothing has ever seemed as glorious to me as strolling down the first row of houses and stores - all closed, locked up and darkened as the entire group of people had headed out to see the fest. I was suddenly very conscious of time and how dark it was getting, and stepped up my pace a bit. To the uninformed, Vaughn saying he would kill me if I was late might have appeared to have been a joke.
I knew otherwise.
It wasn't very fun having to jog slightly in order to avoid death - really, I'm not kidding, the guy isn't the sort to joke around about these types of things…or anything else for that matter - and have my stupid thoughts mixing themselves in with Lanna's wise words. If they got blurred together, I was in for a night of hell.
But on the bright side, I'm sure Vaughn would remember it forever.
To distract myself, I recalled the event that had happened when Mirabelle had found out.
In all honestly, I was scared at first. One second I was chatting to Julia about anything but the date, the next I'm hearing, "So Princess, what's this I'm hearin' about you and my nephew?"
Mirabelle is one of the most lovely people I've ever met. She's very sunny - Julia inherited her personality, alright! - and a generally awesome lady to be around. You hardly ever see her without a smile on her face. To top it all off, she's best friends with Felicia - they're an amazing duo!
Anyway, when I swivelled to face Mirabelle, her face was smooth. It looked like she was controlling her emotions - but I didn't know if they were good emotions or not yet.
I swallowed nervously and sort of stammered out, "M-me and him…Fireworks f-fest." Yes, I know. Aren't I brilliant with words? Note the sarcasm here.
We stared at each other for a while before her plump face broke into that grin she always wore, and I was scooped up into a hug. It was kinda startling.
"I'm so glad you two are friends," she'd said. "Vaughn's always been a bit difficult - I expect Julia has told you that - so when I heard…Chelsea…" She pulled me out of the hug but her hands were still on my shoulders. "Everybody claims that you can't be a princess, but I'm sure this proves your worth more than anything."
I was so…shaken. In a good way. I could barely get the words 'thank you' past my lips. Mirabelle had told me in such a simple fashion, but they got to me in a powerful way. It should have been my parents telling me that, right?
When she'd seen how happy I was, Mirabelle had chased the bitter sweetness away with a smile and the promise she's speak to Vaughn.
"That boy can be trouble, but don't you worry Miss Chelsea. I'll have words with him, and polish him up real good." She'd winked. "When you show up there, you won't recognise him. You'll be there with a gentleman. I might even hide the hat," the blonde woman had added thoughtfully, and I'd laughed out loud.
Although…
I hadn't said it at the time but I had to admit to myself…I didn't want Vaughn to be changed around too much. He could be work: hard, difficult, damn exhausting work, but I couldn't deny that there was something about him that I liked…
I knew simply thinking that was starting to make me blush; my ears felt warm all of a sudden. I sighed. If this was the state I was in now, what would I be like when I actually saw him? Goddess, I prayed I wouldn't faint. Whilst that was certainly a memorable thing, I really did want to enjoy this time with Vaughn.
If I fainted, it wouldn't give me a chance to…clarify some things.
By now I was on the west side of the village. I only had to get past this huge house and I should be able to see-
My breathing took a break. I could see him standing there, waiting. My feet carried me towards him while my head swam. What was it I was going to do again? What was the plan?
I shook it quickly, before he could notice me, and it cleared a little. I was going to be myself, but I had to be a tiny bit more sensible. It wouldn't be great if I started things off in a weird fashion-
"Howdy."
Crap. I think I just spoke. Even worse, I said possibly the dumbest thing to say to a cowboy. Goddess dammit. Can a bolt of lightening hit me please? Can I make a new home under a rock? Can I start over?
I am such an utter retard!
"…What's up?" He asked, and he seemed a bit wary. I couldn't blame him. I was beyond abnormal. They'd have to come up with a new name for this mental state. Maybe they'd call it 'Chelsea', after me. Wouldn't that be nice? Having a mental state named after you?
"Doctor, I'm afraid she's suffering from Chelsea. We haven't got much time before she starts babbling on about crap and acts in a stupid manner on dates."
"Chelsea."
The medical drama having played out in my head, I remembered I hadn't answered him. Poor guy. He was stuck with me of all people for the evening. They'd have to drag him off the seaweed rock screaming by the time we were done here.
"I'm sorry!" I replied before I could embarrass myself further. "I don't know what the hell that was. Can we start over?"
"…Okay."
I smiled, and tried once more. "Hey Vaughn!"
"What's up?" He repeated as way of a second greeting, giving me a moment to survey him.
True to her word, Mirabelle had taken the Stetson from his head. Probably via surgery, but there you go. He'd lost the cowboy boots, wearing dark ones - a bit like a male version of my own. The white scarf was still present, as were the dark trousers and shirt, but his leather waist coat thing was gone, replaced by a plain old coat.
In all that black, he should've looked…I don't know…Wrong, I guess. Unfortunately for my head, heart and temperature, it made him look good. Even more so than usual-
Wait! More than usual? Since when had I started thinking that? Ah…
My cheeks burned. Act natural!
He glanced at me, eyebrows furrowed.
"Can I help you?" I sounded better than I felt. Less flustered, more confident - although I don't think that's the word.
"You actually came…?"
"Why wouldn't I?" I shot, drawing closer. "It would have been beyond rude not to show up, especially 'cause I hadn't told you before hand. Besides," I sniffed, "I want to see these fireworks. Even if I do have to sit with you."
"So I don't even-"
"Ah, hush your whining! I was kidding, okay? I'm sure this is going to be fun." I met his gaze and held it steadily. Vaughn was the first to look away, muttering under his breath.
"You wanted to see 'em, fine. Let's go." He began walking over the bridge, me following behind. From back here, he seemed so different. Like he wasn't a grumpy guy. More like a hero from a fairy tale-
"You coming? Hurry up!" He barked, killing my illusion. "People're staring."
Silly me, not seeing the entire picture. As you walk over the bridge, you start to see the meadow, and everybody assembled. I had been too…um…caught up to notice them. I sure was glad it was dark! The teasing from strangers would be unbearable!
A boy ran up the second I had stepped onto the grass. "Lady, lady!"
I did that thing you see people do in silent films, pointing as if to say 'who, me?' The kid just tugged on my coat impatiently, so I ceased my act and bent down to his level. "Hi there little dude. What do you want with me?"
"What's your name? I'm Charlie, Chen's son. My daddy's helping with the fireworks," he said, a grin on his face. This was odd. It's nice that people wanted to know me but I couldn't help but think there was more to this than it was being let on…
"Hello Charlie! I'm Chelsea," I replied, taking his small hand and shaking it, causing him to laugh.
"Ha ha, you're nice!"
"Thank you!"
His eyes flitted to Vaughn who was standing behind me and he began to look kinda curious and sheepish. "Lady, I don't want to be rude, 'specially because we've just met, but well…" Again he glanced from Vaughn to me.
"Well…" I prompted.
"Are you-"
"We wanted to know if you're Vaughn's girlfriend," a girl interrupted, throwing a glare to Charlie. "I dared him to ask but he opted out," she informed in a long suffering voice.
I shook my head, glad my wan smile was able to cover up the sudden flustered feeling that had developed. "N-nope, we're not dating. He's accompanying me here as it's the first time I've come to the fest." I paused, then to steer things onto safer waters I said, "I wonder if you two are dating…?"
Charlie blushed and the girl folded her arms, turning away stubbornly. "Charlie insists on taking me out. He's not too bad…"
"E-Eliza…"
People around us were starting to get out blankets and lay them on the ground and sit on them, or calling stray family members over. I took it as a signal that the fest would begin shortly, and that the cowboy and I should really find a seat.
I stood and waved, giggling. "It was lovely meeting you two. I hope you guys enjoy the fest also." Then I turned to Vaughn. "Seeing as you're the expert, find us a good spot!"
"Expert?" He snorted, but led the way across the field all the same.
As I followed, people parted to make way for us. I heard gasps, but they weren't the gasps of a scandal like back at the castle. These sounded…better, I think is the best word for it. Sort of sighing wistfully. I don't know…It was different, and it was a good different, but I couldn't interpret them properly, so I concentrated on trailing a little way behind Vaughn.
He did stop soon enough, quite far away from everybody else. I appreciated the gesture, actually. It's not like I wanted not to be seen with him, but it meant I was away from the speculating that would have gone on had we sat closer.
I knelt down and stared towards the edge of the field where a number of boxes were set, and then a distance away where a thin man and a…vast man were standing, occasionally tossing comments to each other, checking that the rockets were planted in the ground properly. We had a perfect view of all that was going to go on.
I piped up, "Whoa, you really are the expert. This is the best spot!"
"Thanks."
Somebody disturbed our bubble after he'd spoken, but I didn't mind, as it was Mirabelle handing us a spare blanket to sit on. Before she walked back to sit with whoever she was with, she gave me a wink and waggled her finger at Vaughn.
We quickly spread it on the ground and sat, just as the vaster man - Gannon, I assumed, considering Charlie had said his father was helping, and the thinner guy was the more likely one to fill that role - announced that it was starting. The entire meadow was silent the same second he finished.
Rubbing his hands, the fire necessary to light the tails was produced. Three…two…one…
Whoosh! The great rocket shot into the air. I watched as it climbed higher and higher…It was several metres above our heads and then it exploded, creating a red and gold shimmer in the air. People clapped and 'ooh'-ed and 'aww'-ed…
And another came straight after, this one a lime green and blue concoction. It sparkled brightly, and the chorus of 'ooh's and 'aww's broke out, and clapping sounded once more…
The next one shot single blasts into the air that exploded in rich jewel colours before fading out, only to be closely trailed by another shot; I counted at least ten of them, all the while my head buzzing from the sheer energy. The people! The colours! The noise! It was all so infectious! It was like watching Pierre in his kitchen, like watching Vaughn doing his work, only elevated about a hundred times that feeling.
"They're beautiful."
I snuck a sidelong glance at him and was glad to see he was looking up at the sky, awaiting the next one - maybe not quite with bated breath, but he was paying attention.
"You'll miss it," he cautioned, and I tore my gaze away from him, happy it was dark so he was unable to view the way my cheeks were reddening. Huh, appears he was paying attention to me too. But on the brighter side, he'd wanted to make sure I saw the fireworks; that was the only reason he was here…
The next was one Chen and Gannon were pleased with; their actions gave it away. I found out at a later date that they always managed to secure a special firework - like one that took on a particular shape. I also found out that it really was the biggest coincidence that they'd secured this one, that they could've possibly had no idea…
This firework shot up higher than the rest, climbing…climbing…climbing…I didn't know if it would stop. When it did, there was a moment of quiet before it revealed itself. I blinked, enjoying it nonetheless, but freaked out at the shape.
"A heart?" I whispered under my breath, eyes glued to the thing. It was gorgeous; all the other fireworks were nothing compared to this. It had so many colours in it, and yet the image remained associated with the typical idea of hearts. Love, romance…Why had it appeared here, now? It was strange, it was weird, it was one of those dumb clichéd things that stalks me every place I go.
And yet I felt calm. Sure so it was pretty damn freaky that it'd happened, but it gave me the best thing to say to Vaughn.
"Still think fireworks aren't romantic?"
He had no answer.
We waited for most people to disperse before we left. Mirabelle had returned to us at the end to take back her blanket, and to suggest that Vaughn walked me home. I'd wanted to protest, but her 'suggesting' was not a force to be reckoned with, and it was comforting having somebody with me. I'm not scared of the dark, just of the emptiness of it this late.
"What did you think of it?"
Vaughn shrugged and I pouted. That wasn't a satisfactory answer, and I demanded another off him. He gave a heavy sigh.
"It was actually…pretty nice to watch the fireworks…with you."
"A-ah, thanks. Back at ya!" I exclaimed, surprised at his admitting that. Still, it was dark; perhaps it was easier for him. "Will you come next year?"
"If you insist."
"Then maybe I will."
Hm, funny. The awkwardness wasn't so awkward tonight. The sulphur in the air was getting to us both, clearly. Although that being said, I'd be fine if it didn't wear off. I'd had fun with Vaughn, and I was starting to open up to other options. Scary, but it felt okay, more than it did prior to meeting up with him. I was still quite confused, but not so much so.
"S-shut up!"
"You wanna fight me?"
"Bring i-it!"
I jumped, but Vaughn was unfazed. "W-what was that?" I squeaked.
"Drunks."
"Drunks?"
"Yeah." My eyes could just make out the quizzical look he tossed me. "The village ain't perfect Chelsea; its got its downsides too."
"But shouldn't everybody be home? Weren't they all at the fest?" I recalled my thoughts and observations from before at all the village being at the meadow, hence why it was so quiet, and tried to cling onto them.
"Not everybody. For some, folks being at the meadow gives 'em a chance to…" Vaughn trailed off, walking at a steady place. By his tone, it suggested that he thought it wasn't his problem.
The tinkling of breaking glass and more shouting broke out behind me, too close for comfort. A shiver of fight went down my back. Here's another thing I hate about night: the people that are around, and the possibility of danger.
"P-please," I pleaded. "Can we go faster?"
He did as I asked, but his version of faster was too fast for me, so I did what seemed the most sensible thing. I took his hand.
I heard an intake of breath, though nothing was said by either of us. Slowly he thawed out and responded, closing his fingers around mine. They were warm. Now the only reason for my heart jumping around was the contact, not the anxiety of what might happen.
We did the rest of the journey not talking, even when I pulled him from his proposed route to the front of the castle and round the side to the gap in the wall.
"Thank you," I whispered, still linked up. "Thank you for the nice time, and for putting up with me back then, and for being a cool guy. I wouldn't have liked to spend the evening any other way."
Vaughn shrugged once again, past attempting using words by now.
I had one final thing to do, something I'd made my mind up on whilst we were coming back. The debate had been pretty furious - in my mind…I don't need a shrink! - but I decided that I'd only regret it should I not do it. I could only hope I wouldn't mess anything up...With all that considered, the action had won me over.
I unlaced our fingers and, standing on my tip toes, planted a chaste kiss on his cheek. Then so I couldn't ruin it, I went over the hole and stood to go through.
"Thank you a bunch Vaughn." A finger on my lips, I 'disappeared' into the cold stone as that once tiny voice in the back of my head sang something sappy. Had it not been so late at night, I would have joined in at the top of my lungs.
end of chapter
on chapter: most unoriginal title ever? quite possibly. oh, inspiration for this chap comes from the songs 'just a kiss' by lady antebellum, and 'falling for you' by colbie calliat…which i don't own.
on other stuff: eh, this was ready friday, but ff wasn't having any of it, and i wasn't around yesterday, so it had to wait. ughhh.
thanks to: Cherry3456 (x2; thank you so much! hope that 'date' went well!), Hmszelda, theatrelove123, HorseGirl784, FlamingIceWolfGirl, LatteCurlz, airtrafficstreams, Penny ToughGirl (x9), Invader Cakez and Pwnapple. i love you all (sick of hearing this yet?), and I'd send you all a cowboy if i could.
please stick around. things are starting to heat up in the love department! and reviews would be nice :3 until next chapter!
